Powering the Future of Aviation: Breaking the Catch-22 of Sustainable Flight
As aviation strives toward net-zero emissions, hydrogen, eSAF, and electric flight are emerging as key solutions. But innovation alone isn’t enough scalable infrastructure is essential. The industry faces a classic Catch-22: aircraft development, infrastructure investment, and supply chain readiness all depend on each other, delaying progress.
Hydrogen-powered aircraft require robust refueling networks. eSAF production must scale to meet demand. Electric aviation needs grid capacity and charging infrastructure. Without coordination across these areas, the transition will stall.
Unified International (UI) is helping break this cycle by aligning stakeholders behind scalable infrastructure strategies. In the Netherlands, UI supports the DutcH₂ Aviation Hub at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, where it is helping RHIA bring together stakeholders across infrastructure, energy, aircraft, operations, research and government, while connecting with other international airport hubs.
UI also initiated the next-generation hydrogen propulsion system by Conscious Aerospace for regional aircraft, with a pathway to broader adoption in larger systems.
“The biggest challenge isn’t whether hydrogen, eSAF or electric aviation work—we know they do. The key is ensuring all stakeholders act now to build the infrastructure needed to scale these solutions,” says Stephen Hands, Senior Associate at UI.
Overcoming the Catch-22
The shift to zero-emission flight is only just beginning. For airlines, pressure is mounting, yet aircraft availability and cost uncertainty remain major barriers. SAF and eSAF are more expensive than fossil fuel, hydrogen aircraft are still in development, and electric aviation, while promising, is constrained by battery and infrastructure limitations.
Hydrogen propulsion is increasingly seen as the long-term solution for short- and medium-haul flights, offering scalability beyond regional markets. But manufacturers still face challenges in commercial readiness, and refueling networks lag behind. Battery improvements are expanding electric flight potential, but adoption depends on coordinated infrastructure rollouts.
This situation mirrors Airbus’ delay of its Zeroe program, a perfect example of the Catch-22: decisions are postponed until the rest of the ecosystem is in place.
Airports, too, face growing infrastructure demands. They must balance investment in SAF blending, hydrogen refueling, and electric charging, each requiring time, funding, and space. Hydrogen storage adds complexity with cryogenic systems and new procedures.
Fuel and energy suppliers hesitate to invest in eSAF and hydrogen infrastructure without clear offtake agreements. Large-scale production of eSAF and green hydrogen demands high upfront investment, further delayed by policy uncertainty.
Early-stage investments must be de-risked through enabling stronger airline commitments and supportive government incentives. Progress must accelerate, and not wait for each piece to fall into place. With aligned investment, policy and infrastructure, aviation can unlock a sustainable future.
Accelerating the Transition
SAF mandates are driving progress, and investment in hydrogen and electric aviation is growing. However, to achieve commercial scale, infrastructure must advance in parallel. Airbus has underlined the need for refueling systems to be in place before new aircraft enter service. Addressing the Catch-22 is vital: infrastructure must come first, not follow.
Collaboration is key. The industry needs strong government support, clearer policy signals, and close cooperation between airports, suppliers, and airlines. Strategic investments in grid upgrades, hydrogen infrastructure, and eSAF production can create the foundation for zero-emission flight at scale.
UI works with industry leaders to transform vision into action—by aligning policy, infrastructure, and supply chain efforts to create real momentum.
Four Solutions to Unlock Progress
“Now is the time to align investment, policy, and infrastructure timelines across the ecosystem,” says Hands. “Through partnerships, regulation, and structured industry adoption, we can accelerate this transition.”
To bridge the gap between innovation and adoption, four priority areas must be addressed:
- Public-private partnerships (PPPs)
Subsidies, tax incentives and guaranteed demand programs can reduce risk and encourage early investment from suppliers through to airlines. - Infrastructure-first development
Hydrogen supply lines, SAF production, and charging stations must be built ahead of fleet deployment to ensure readiness. - Clear and consistent regulation
Governments must set ambitious, achievable goals for SAF and hydrogen use—providing confidence for long-term investments. - Energy infrastructure upgrades at airports
From grid reinforcement to hydrogen refueling and energy storage, airports must act now to prepare for zero-emission flight.
“Any journey starts with the smallest step. The regional market is the ideal starting point for the transition to zero-emission flight. By scaling gradually and working together, we can focus on clear issues and solutions,” adds Hands.
Unified International’s Role in the Transition
Unified International works closely with airports and aircraft manufacturers to develop phased, infrastructure-first strategies that anticipate future needs and help overcome the industry’s gridlock.
By aligning infrastructure development with supply chain and regulatory milestones, UI helps address the Catch-22 and unlock momentum. Its role within the DutcH₂ Aviation Hub at Rotterdam The Hague Airport exemplifies how stakeholder collaboration can deliver tangible change, locally and globally.
UI is committed to ensuring that sustainable aviation infrastructure evolves ahead of demand, turning ambition into action.
“We’re not just talking about the future of aviation, we’re actively helping to build it,” concludes Hands. “I hope we can connect with more like-minded companies and people and explore how we can help them in their journey towards sustainable aviation.”
